Washing machine and cyclic heating control method

Abstract

The invention belongs to the technical field of clothes treatment equipment, and discloses a washing machine and a cyclic heating control method. The washing machine comprises a washing barrel, an inlet water heating device and a circulating device. The water inlet heating device is communicated with the washing barrel and is configured to heat washing water before the washing water enters the washing barrel. The circulating device is arranged between the washing barrel and the inlet water heating device, and washing water in the washing barrel can be circulated to the inlet water heating device. According to the washing machine, the temperature rise uniformity and the temperature rise speed of washing water can be achieved, and the washing effect and the washing efficiency are effectively improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of laundry treatment equipment, and particularly relates to a washing machine and a circulating heating control method. Background Art

[0002] The laundry process of a washing machine mainly includes several stages such as washing, rinsing, and spinning. The detergent used in the washing stage needs to be in water at about 40 degrees Celsius to achieve its best washing effect.

[0003] In cold regions, during the washing stage, the washing water dissolved with detergent will experience a phenomenon of temperature decrease, resulting in the detergent being unable to achieve its best washing effect. In the prior art, a heating device is provided at the bottom position outside the laundry tub to heat the washing water.

[0004] However, the heating part of the above heating method is too concentrated, the heating speed of the washing water is slow, and it is difficult to achieve uniform heating, which is not conducive to the exertion of the washing effect of the detergent and affects the washing effect and efficiency of the laundry to be washed.

[0005] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a washing machine and a circulating heating control method to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, an object is to provide a washing machine that can achieve the uniformity and heating speed of the temperature rise of the washing water, and effectively improve the washing effect and washing efficiency.

[0007] To achieve this purpose, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions:

[0008] A washing machine, comprising:

[0009] A laundry tub;

[0010] An inlet water heating device, connected to the laundry tub and configured to heat the washing water before it enters the laundry tub;

[0011] A circulating device, which is arranged between the laundry tub and the inlet water heating device and can circulate the washing water in the laundry tub to the inlet water heating device.

[0012] As a preferred solution of the washing machine provided by the present invention, the circulating device includes a circulating pipe and a circulating pump. The circulating pipe is connected to the laundry tub and the inlet water heating device, and the circulating pump is arranged in the circulating pipe. With the above arrangement, when the circulating pump starts, the washing water can be pumped through the circulating pipe to the inlet water heating device for reheating.

[0013] As a preferred embodiment of the washing machine provided by the present invention, the circulation device further includes a circulation valve. The circulation valve is disposed in the circulation pipe and is capable of controlling the connection and disconnection between the circulation pipe and the washing tub. Through the above arrangement, the circulation valve can further control the connection or disconnection between the circulation pipe and the washing tub on the basis of the circulation pump.

[0014] As a preferred embodiment of the washing machine provided by the present invention, the washing machine further includes a drain pipe. The drain pipe is selectively connected to the washing tub through the circulation valve. Through the above arrangement, the drain pipe can drain the washing water after the washing is completed.

[0015] As a preferred embodiment of the washing machine provided by the present invention, the circulation device further includes a check valve. The check valve is disposed in the circulation pipe and is configured to prevent the washing water in the water inlet heating device from flowing to the circulation pump. Through the above arrangement, it can be ensured that the washing water in the circulation pipe always flows unidirectionally from the washing tub to the water inlet heating device.

[0016] As a preferred embodiment of the washing machine provided by the present invention, the washing machine further includes a control module. The circulation pump is communicatively connected to the control module, and the control module can control the start and stop of the circulation pump. Through the above arrangement, automatic control of the circulation device can be achieved.

[0017] As a preferred embodiment of the washing machine provided by the present invention, the washing tub includes a connected inner tub and an outer tub. The inner tub is disposed inside the outer tub. The water inlet heating device can inject washing water into the outer tub, and the outer tub can inject washing water into the inner tub. Through the above arrangement, the water inlet step is divided into two steps, namely, the outer tub is filled with water and the outer tub injects water into the inner tub. Washing water can be heated in both of the above two water inlet steps, realizing a reasonable arrangement of the washing water heating function position and improving the heating efficiency of the washing water.

[0018] As a preferred embodiment of the washing machine provided by the present invention, the washing machine further includes a tub heating device. The tub heating device is disposed on the outer tub and is configured to heat the washing water in the outer tub. Through the above arrangement, the washing water can be further heated, and the temperature of the washing water about to enter the inner tub can be increased.

[0019] As a preferred embodiment of the washing machine provided by the present invention, the inner tub is provided with an inner tub temperature sensor. The inner tub temperature sensor is configured to detect the temperature of the washing water in the inner tub. Through the above arrangement, the control module can control the circulation device according to the temperature of the washing water detected by the inner tub temperature sensor.

[0020] According to another aspect of the present invention, an object is to provide a circulating heating control method, which is based on the washing machine described in any one of the above solutions, circulates and heats the washing water; the washing tub includes an inner tub and an outer tub, the outer tub independently intakes water, and the outer tub injects water into the inner tub. The circulating heating control method includes:

[0021] Start the inner tub to rotate for washing, and detect the temperature T3 of the washing water in the inner tub, and judge the relationship between T3 and the preset temperature T of the set washing water;

[0022] When T3 < T, start the circulating device to circulate the washing water in the inner tub to the water inlet heating device;

[0023] Otherwise, there is no need to start the circulating device.

[0024] Advantages of the present invention:

[0025] The washing machine provided by the present invention includes a washing tub, a water inlet heating device and a circulating device. The water inlet heating device is connected to the washing tub and is configured to heat the washing water before it enters the washing tub. That is to say, the temperature of the washing water entering the washing tub is relatively high, which is beneficial to the detergent to exert a better washing effect. The circulating device is arranged between the washing tub and the water inlet heating device and can circulate the washing water in the washing tub to the water inlet heating device. That is to say, the washing machine can realize the circulating heating of the washing water, improve the efficiency of the washing water temperature rise, and is beneficial to realize uniform heating. Description of the drawings

[0026] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the washing machine provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 is a flowchart of the circulating heating control method provided in Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0028] In the figure:

[0029] 100, washing tub; 110, water outlet pipe; 120, drain pipe; 130, inner tub; 131, inner tub temperature sensor; 140, outer tub; 141, outer tub body temperature sensor; 142, spray pipe; 143, spray head; 150, water inlet pipe;

[0030] 200, water inlet heating device;

[0031] 300, circulating device; 310, circulating pipe; 320, circulating pump; 330, circulating valve; 340, check valve;

[0032] 400, control module;

[0033] 500, Cylinder Heating Device; 510, Waterproof Housing; 520, Heating Assembly;

[0034] 600, Premixing Device. Detailed Embodiment

[0035] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It can be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only for explaining the present invention, rather than limiting the present invention. Additionally, it should be noted that for the sake of description, only the parts related to the present invention rather than all the structures are shown in the drawings.

[0036] In the description of the present invention, unless otherwise clearly defined and limited, the terms "connected", "connected to", and "fixed" shall be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or integrated; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be directly connected, or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, and it can be the communication inside two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0037] In the present invention, unless otherwise clearly defined and limited, the first feature being "above" or "below" the second feature may include the direct contact between the first and second features, or may include the situation where the first and second features are not in direct contact but in contact through other features between them. Moreover, the first feature being "above", "over", and "on" the second feature includes the first feature being directly above and obliquely above the second feature, or merely indicating that the horizontal height of the first feature is higher than that of the second feature. The first feature being "below", "under", and "beneath" the second feature includes the first feature being directly below and obliquely below the second feature, or merely indicating that the horizontal height of the first feature is lower than that of the second feature.

[0038] In the description of this embodiment, the orientation or positional relationships such as "above", "below", "right", and "left" are based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of description and simplifying the operation, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and thus cannot be understood as a limitation to the present invention. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only used for distinction in description and have no special meaning.

[0039] Embodiment 1

[0040] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a washing machine provided by Embodiment 1 of the present invention is shown. Refer to Figure 1, this embodiment provides a washing machine. The washing machine includes a washing tub 100, a water inlet heating device 200, and a circulation device 300. The water inlet heating device 200 is connected to the washing tub 100 and is configured to heat the washing water before it enters the washing tub 100. By means of the above water inlet heating device 200, the initial temperature of the washing water can be increased, facilitating the detergent to achieve a better washing effect. The circulation device 300 is disposed between the washing tub 100 and the water inlet heating device 200 and can circulate the washing water in the washing tub 100 to the water inlet heating device 200. By means of the above circulation device 300, the cooled washing water in the washing tub 100 can be circulated to the water inlet heating device 200 again for heating, improving the uniformity and efficiency of reheating the washing water.

[0041] Specifically, the washing tub 100 includes a connected inner tub 130 and outer tub 140. The inner tub 130 is disposed inside the outer tub 140 and is configured to accommodate the laundry to be washed. The washing water can pass through the water inlet heating device 200 and then be injected into the outer tub 140, and the outer tub 140 can inject the washing water into the inner tub 130.

[0042] More specifically, the water inlet heating device 200 is disposed in the water inlet pipe 150 of the washing tub 100. The water inlet pipe 150 is connected to the outer tub 140. After the water in the water inlet pipe 150 is heated by the water inlet heating device 200, it enters the outer tub 140.

[0043] Even more specifically, the washing machine further includes a premixing device 600. The premixing device 600 is disposed in the water inlet pipe 150 and is connected between the water inlet heating device 200 and the water inlet of the outer tub 140. The premixing device 600 is configured to mix the detergent with the washing water. The premixing device 600 specifically includes a premixing chamber which contains the detergent and is provided with a stirring mechanism. The stirring mechanism can stir the detergent and the washing water in the premixing chamber, accelerating the dissolution of the detergent, enabling the detergent and the washing water to be fully mixed before entering the outer tub 140, and enabling the detergent to exert its efficacy as soon as possible.

[0044] Preferably, in this embodiment, the outer tub 140 is connected to the inner tub 130 through a spray pipe 142. One end of the spray pipe 142 is connected to the outer tub 140, and the other end extends into the inner tub 130, located at the upper end of the inner tub 130 and is provided with a plurality of nozzles 143. The spray pipe 142 can use the nozzles 143 to spray the washing water in the outer tub 140 onto the laundry to be washed in the inner tub 130 in a spraying manner, so that the laundry to be washed in the inner tub 130 can be wetted at a faster speed and it is convenient for the detergent mixed in the washing water to be evenly distributed.

[0045] Preferably, a plurality of spray nozzles 143 are uniformly arranged at intervals along the axial direction of the inner cylinder 130 at the upper end of the inner wall of the inner cylinder 130. And the spray nozzle 143 can spray washing water simultaneously in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction.

[0046] Continue to refer to Figure 1 , the washing machine further includes a cylinder heating device 500, which is arranged on the outer cylinder 140 and is configured to heat the washing water in the outer cylinder 140. The cylinder heating device 500 includes a waterproof housing 510 and a heating component 520. The waterproof housing 510 is arranged on the outer side of the bottom or the side of the outer cylinder 140, and the heating component 520 is arranged in the waterproof housing 510. In this embodiment, the heating component 520 can be an electric heating tube, which can perform heat supplement on the washing water in the outer cylinder 140. The waterproof housing 510 can protect the electric heating tube from being damaged by water. Through the cylinder heating device 500, heat supplement or heat preservation of the washing water can be further realized on the basis of the water inlet heating device 200.

[0047] Specifically, the waterproof housing 510 is arranged at the bottom of the outer cylinder 140, and its cross-sectional area is basically equal to the cross-sectional area of the outer cylinder 140. The above-mentioned electric heating tubes are uniformly arranged in the waterproof housing 510. Through the above setting, the uniformity of heating the outer cylinder 140 by the electric heating tubes can be improved, and then the heating efficiency of the washing water in the outer cylinder 140 can be improved, and it is beneficial to the uniformity of heating the washing water.

[0048] More specifically, the inner cylinder 130 is provided with an inner cylinder temperature sensor 131, which is configured to detect the temperature of the washing water in the inner cylinder 130. When the inner cylinder temperature sensor 131 detects that the water temperature of the washing water in the inner cylinder 130 is lower than the preset temperature, the control circulation device 300 is controlled to perform washing water circulation, and the water inlet heating device 200 is controlled to start to reheat the washing water circulated to the water inlet pipe 150 in the inner cylinder 130.

[0049] Even more specifically, the outer cylinder 140 is provided with an outer cylinder body temperature sensor 141, which can detect the temperature of the washing water in the outer cylinder 140. When the outer cylinder body temperature sensor 141 detects that the water temperature of the washing water in the outer cylinder 140 is lower than the preset temperature, the cylinder heating device 500 starts to heat to perform heat supplement on the washing water in the outer cylinder 140.

[0050] Continue to refer to Figure 1, the circulation device 300 includes a circulation pipe 310 and a circulation pump 320. The circulation pipe 310 is connected between the inner cylinder 130 and the water inlet heating device 200. The circulation pump 320 is disposed in the circulation pipe 310 and can circulate the washing water with a reduced temperature in the inner cylinder 130 to the water inlet pipe 150. The above-mentioned washing water with a reduced temperature is reheated by the water inlet heating device 200 to achieve a further increase in temperature. The circulation pump 320 is configured to pump the washing water and provide power for its circulation to the water inlet heating device 200.

[0051] Specifically, the circulation device 300 further includes a check valve 340. The check valve 340 is disposed in the circulation pipe 310, and its installation position is between the water inlet heating device 200 and the circulation pump 320, and is configured to prevent the washing water in the water inlet heating device 200 from flowing back to the circulation pump 320.

[0052] More specifically, the circulation device 300 further includes a circulation valve 330. The circulation valve 330 is disposed between the circulation pipe 310 and the water outlet pipe 110 of the washing tub 100. The water outlet pipe 110 is connected to the bottom of the inner cylinder 130. The circulation valve 330 can control the on-off between the circulation pipe 310 and the water outlet pipe 110.

[0053] Even more specifically, the washing machine further includes a drain pipe 120. The drain pipe 120 is selectively connected to the water outlet pipe 110 through the circulation valve 330. The drain pipe 120 is used to discharge the washing water in the inner cylinder 130 after the washing process ends. The circulation valve 330 is a three-way valve. Its first opening is connected to the water outlet pipe 110, its second opening is connected to the drain pipe 120, and its third opening is connected to the circulation pipe 310. When it is necessary to drain the inner cylinder 130, control the circulation valve 330 to open the water outlet pipe 110 and the drain pipe 120; when it is necessary to reheat the washing water in the inner cylinder 130, open the water outlet pipe 110 and the circulation pipe 310, and control the circulation pump 320 and the water inlet heating device 200 to start to circulate and reheat the washing water in the inner cylinder 130. The circulation valve 330 can specifically select a solenoid valve in the prior art.

[0054] Continue to refer to Figure 1, the washing machine further includes a control module 400, and the circulation pump 320, the water inlet heating device 200, the circulation valve 330, the inner tub temperature sensor 131, the outer tub temperature sensor 141, and the tub heating device 500 are respectively communicatively connected to the control module 400. The control module 400 can receive the temperature signals detected by the inner tub temperature sensor 131 and the outer tub temperature sensor 141. The control module 400 controls the start and stop of the circulation pump 320 and the water inlet heating device 200 according to the temperature signal detected by the inner tub temperature sensor 131, and controls the circulation valve 330 to open the water outlet pipe 110 and the circulation pipe 310. The control module 400 can control the start and stop of the tub heating device 500 according to the temperature signal detected by the outer tub temperature sensor 141.

[0055] Optionally, when the user issues a "drainage instruction" through the control panel, the control module 400 controls the circulation valve 330 to open the water outlet pipe 110 and the drain pipe 120 to perform the drainage process after the washing process ends.

[0056] Embodiment 2

[0057] Figure 2 The flowchart showing the circulation heating control method provided by Embodiment 2 of the present invention is referred to Figure 2 , this embodiment provides a circulation heating control method, and this circulation heating control method is based on the washing machine provided in Embodiment 1 to circulate and heat the washing water.

[0058] In cold regions, the temperature of the washing water in the inner tub 130 will decrease during the washing process. Therefore, it is necessary to circulate the washing water in the inner tub 130 during the washing process to ensure its temperature.

[0059] The circulation heating control method provided by this embodiment specifically includes the following steps:

[0060] Step S10: Set the preset temperature T of the washing water.

[0061] Specifically, in this embodiment, the preset temperature T is manually set according to the type of detergent, and the user can set it through the operation panel on the washing machine. The washing machine provided by this embodiment has a washing mode, a sterilization and mite removal mode, and a softening mode. In the above different modes, different detergents need to be added, such as washing powder, disinfectant, and softener. The temperatures at which the above different detergents can exert the best effects are different. Correspondingly, the preset temperature T corresponding to different modes is also different. The preset temperature T can be selected according to the type of detergent, and can be specifically obtained by looking up a table. This embodiment does not limit it here.

[0062] Step S20: Start the water inlet of the outer cylinder 140, detect the inlet water temperature T1, and determine the relationship between the inlet water temperature T1 and the temperature lower limit value t. If T1 < t, start the inlet water heating device 200 at the same time; if T1 ≥ t, there is no need to start the inlet water heating device 200. The above temperature lower limit value t is less than the preset temperature T, that is, the inlet water heating device 200 needs to initially increase the initial temperature of the water inlet of the outer cylinder 140 to improve the efficiency of subsequent heating.

[0063] Step S30: When the water inflow of the outer cylinder 140 reaches the first set water volume, stop the water inlet of the outer cylinder 140.

[0064] Step S40: Detect the washing water temperature T2 in the outer cylinder 140, and determine the relationship between T2 and T. If T2 < T, start the heating function of the outer cylinder 140, heat the washing water to the preset temperature T, and then start the water inlet of the inner cylinder 130 of the laundry cylinder 100; if T2 ≥ T, it means that the temperature of the washing water in the outer cylinder 140 has reached the temperature at which the detergent can achieve the best washing effect, there is no need to heat the washing water, there is no need to start the heating function of the outer cylinder 140, and directly start the water inlet of the inner cylinder 130 of the laundry cylinder 100.

[0065] Step S50: Start the inner cylinder 130 to rotate for washing, and detect the washing water temperature T3 in the inner cylinder 130, and determine the relationship between T3 and T. When T3 < T, it means that the temperature of the washing water in the inner cylinder 130 has decreased, and the washing effect of the detergent is limited. Start the circulation device 300, circulate the washing water in the inner cylinder 130 to the inlet water heating device 200, circulate the washing water in the inner cylinder 130 to the water inlet pipe 150, and cycle through Step S20 and Step S30 to judge the water temperature of the washing water and control the start and stop of the inlet water heating device 200 and the cylinder heating device 500. When T3 ≥ T, there is no need to start the circulation device 300.

[0066] Obviously, the above embodiments of the present invention are only examples for clearly explaining the present invention, and are not intended to limit the implementation manner of the present invention. For those of ordinary skill in the art, various obvious changes, re-adjustments and substitutions can be made without departing from the protection scope of the present invention. It is not necessary and impossible to enumerate all the implementation manners here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions and improvements made within the spirit and principle of the present invention shall be included in the protection scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A washing machine, characterized in that, Comprising: A washing tub (100); A water inlet heating device (200), connected to the washing tub (100), configured to heat the washing water before it enters the washing tub (100); A circulation device (300), arranged between the washing tub (100) and the water inlet heating device (200), capable of circulating the washing water in the washing tub (100) to the water inlet heating device (200).

2. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein, The circulation device (300) includes a circulation pipe (310) and a circulation pump (320), the circulation pipe (310) is connected to the washing tub (100) and the water inlet heating device (200), and the circulation pump (320) is arranged in the circulation pipe (310).

3. The washing machine according to claim 2, wherein, The circulation device (300) further includes a circulation valve (330), the circulation valve (330) is arranged in the circulation pipe (310), and is capable of controlling the on-off between the circulation pipe (310) and the washing tub (100).

4. The washing machine according to claim 3, wherein The washing machine further includes a drain pipe (120), and the drain pipe (120) is selectively connected to the washing tub (100) through the circulation valve (330).

5. The washing machine according to claim 2, characterized in that, The circulation device (300) further includes a check valve (340), the check valve (340) is arranged in the circulation pipe (310), and is configured to prevent the washing water in the water inlet heating device (200) from flowing to the circulation pump (320).

6. The washing machine according to claim 2, characterized in that, The washing machine further includes a control module (400), the circulation pump (320) is communicatively connected to the control module (400), and the control module (400) is capable of controlling the start and stop of the circulation pump (320).

7. The washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The washing tub (100) includes an inner tub (130) and an outer tub (140), the inner tub (130) is arranged inside the outer tub (140), the water inlet heating device (200) can inject the washing water into the outer tub (140), and the outer tub (140) can inject the washing water into the inner tub (130).

8. The washing machine according to claim 7, characterized in that, The washing machine further includes a tub heating device (500), the tub heating device (500) is arranged on the outer tub (140), and is configured to heat the washing water in the outer tub (140).

9. The washing machine according to claim 7, wherein The inner tub (130) is provided with an inner tub temperature sensor (131), and the inner tub temperature sensor (131) is configured to detect the temperature of the washing water in the inner tub (130).

10. A cyclic heating control method, characterized in that, Based on the washing machine according to any one of claims 1-9, circulating and heating the washing water; the washing tub (100) includes an inner tub (130) and an outer tub (140), the outer tub (140) independently admits water, the outer tub (140) injects water into the inner tub (130), and the circulation heating control method includes: Starting the inner tub (130) to rotate for washing, detecting the temperature T3 of the washing water in the inner tub (130), and judging the relationship between T3 and the preset temperature T of the set washing water; When T3 < T, start the circulation device (300) to circulate the washing water in the inner cylinder (130) to the water inlet heating device (200); Otherwise, there is no need to start the circulation device (300).

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